“Overweight, and he’s not a long-term cricketer anymore” - Former South Africa batter’s scathing attack on Rohit Sharma ahead of BGT 2024-25 3rd Test
Former South Africa batter Daryll Cullinan labeled Rohit Sharma as 'overweight' and a 'flat track' bully in a scathing fashion amid the woeful run of form. The Indian skipper has not been among the runs in recent times, struggling to find rhythm, and falling prey to the same type of deliveries.
Rohit demoted himself to No. 6 in the batting order for the second Test against Australia in Adelaide. However, the move did not ease his plight as he scored a combined 9 runs in the pink ball Test. Coming to Australia after a dismal home season, and nearing 38 years of age, the ace batter is arguably at a crossroads in his Test career.
Daryll Cullinan criticized Rohit Sharma's fitness level and branded him unfit for a marathon Test assignment.
"Look at Rohit, then at Virat. Notice the difference in their physical condition. Rohit is overweight, and not a long-term cricketer anymore. Rohit is not in a good physical condition to play in a four or a five-match Test series," Cullinan told InsideSport.
Rohit has recorded only one Test fifty since the home series against England in early 2024. He has failed to register double-figure scores in eight of his last 12 innings in the longest format.
Rohit Sharma dropped down to the 31st spot in the ICC Test Rankings for batters
The recent run of poor scores has affected Rohit Sharma's place in the ICC Rankings as well. The forgettable home season had left the right-handed batter down to the 25th spot, but after the double failure in Adelaide, he has moved out of the top 30 altogether.
His current rating of 595 pales in comparison to when he attained 813 after his match-winning hundred at the Oval in 2021.
It remains to be seen whether Rohit Sharma will stick to the middle order or promote himself as an opener for the upcoming third Test against Australia, starting Saturday, December 14, at the Gabba.
The five-match series is currently level at 1-1.